How to Choose the Best Moving Company

No one likes to move. In fact, many people stay in their current home just to avoid the arduous task of packing, sorting, organizing, cleaning, and unpacking – and the stress can get worse when deciding which company to entrust with moving your possessions.

The right moving company can make moving a breeze. Yes, really. But doing your research to find said moving company is a job in itself. So, we did the work for you.

Moving day will inevitably be stressful but a quality moving service company can take most the stress off your shoulders.

Criteria for Choosing a Moving Company

There are several key criteria to look for in a moving company. These are the most critical things you will need to know before hiring a mover.

Interstate vs. Intrastate Moving

If you’re moving within the same relative area, it’s best to use a local company. However, if you’re moving long distance, you will need a company that can help you at both your current residence and your future one.

What Needs to be Moved

You will need to account for every item, large and small. Our advice is to get rid of as much stuff as possible, because the more you have, the more time and money it will cost you. If you can make small trips with some items yourself (or recruit some friends to help you) before a moving company comes to help, even better. Also: you will need to be clear if major appliances like a refrigerator will be moved – these can add considerable time and money.

Price

Again, the more stuff they have to move, the longer it will take. Most moving companies charge by the hour (and this is your best pricing method, too). It’s good to ask how many people will be tending to your move – the more hands on deck, the quicker they can be. Also, keep in mind that it is common courtesy to tip after a successful move.

Give yourself plenty of time before the day of the move to pack and throw away any unneeded belongings.

Timeframe

Some companies might simply not be available on your preferred moving date or time. You need a company that can confirm work on your schedule.

Referrals and Reviews

If you know anyone who recently moved, ask them about the company they used. A positive personal reference gives you confidence that it’s a trustworthy company. You can also check online reviews and business standing in resources like the Better Business Bureau.

Getting Estimates

Narrow your choices down to a few companies, ideally three to five. Obtain free estimates from each company. They will assess all the items you need moved, distance to travel, how easy it will be to move items in and out, and give you a quote for time and total cost. This not only lets you compare price, but also allows you to feel out the people you might hire to help you.

Hiring a Moving Company

So, you’ve decided on a company. But not so fast! Before you sign anything, here are some important considerations.

Liability

Check on their terms before signing the contract so you know if they are satisfactory and/or if you might want to purchase additional insurance for your valuables. If you’ve packed it yourself, chances are they have no liability.

Communication

A good moving company communicates effectively. They return your calls in a prompt manner, show up on time to give you a free estimate, and provide a detailed contract of their terms. They will also wrap up your move once it’s completed with an inventory of what was moved, along with your final bill.

If you are concerned about the safety of your possessions, see if you can buy additional insurance.

Moving Company FAQ

Q. What is the difference between a moving company and a moving broker?

A. A moving company uses its own employees, whereas a broker uses temporary, independent helpers and drivers (usually to cut costs). A moving company is almost always a better bet.

Q. Can a mover pack my stuff for me?

A. Yes, if you select a full-service mover – but that will cost a lot more. Most moving services will wrap large items to protect them, and they might have wardrobe boxes for clothing, but the rest is up to you. Some provide boxes for you to use to pack, but often you must obtain these yourself. A full-service moving company can literally pack everything for you (and thus are also liable).

Q. What happens after the move is complete?

A. You will receive an inventory of everything that was moved and an invoice for what you owe. You will do a walk-through with the supervisor to account for all items listed on the inventory at your new residence. The invoice should reflect your estimate, but it might also include unexpected events or extra services.